Source: Federated Farmers
From a couple who set up their own stone-ground milling enterprise to developers of a seed treatment that reduces nitrogen losses, the 2026 Arable Award finalists have been named.
“The annual awards are a celebration of the best and brightest in the industry – the individuals and teams who stand tall in what we do,” Federated Farmers arable chair Chris Dillon says.
“It’s said that when the going gets tough, the tough get going and that’s true of this year’s crop of finalists.
“The fighting in the Middle East continues to put pressure on fuel and fertiliser prices and it’s really hurting arable prospects with the planting season looming.
“More than ever, we need the innovation, commitment to excellence and environmental sustainability, research and willingness to share knowledge that these growers, agronomists and companies bring to the table.”
Dillon says he’s particularly impressed by the three Innovation Award finalists.
Marty and Georgina Skurr, who work the Canterbury land Marty’s great-grandfather began farming in the 1920s, added another value stream by setting up Minchins Milling, an on-farm stone-ground flour enterprise.
The look and taste of the flour produced is prized by sourdough makers and home bakers, and the direct connections the couple have forged with consumers give their arable business a point of difference and niche market.
Another Innovation Award finalist is agronomist Paul Oliver, who has played a key role in bringing H&T Agronomics’ Always N from development and extensive trials here and overseas, to commercialisation.
This microbial seed treatment helps reduce nitrogen losses, enabling growers to reduce their reliance on synthetic nitrogen inputs.
The third finalist is Lincoln University researcher Mariana Andreucci.
By investigating the relationship between cultivar characteristics, biomass production, and on-farm management practices, her research provides insights that enable growers to optimise crop performance and unlock the potential of individual wheat varieties.
When higher input costs and sluggish returns from the global oversupply put the squeeze on arable growers, it might be thought investment in environmental improvements will take a back seat.
Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) general manager business operations Ivan Lawrie, who convened the judging panels, says the calibre of Environment Award finalists shows growers’ determination to leave the land and water in better shape for the next generation.
Lovett Family Farms, led by Daniel Lovett near Ashburton, has implemented a comprehensive approach to sustainable farming focused on improving soil health, water-use efficiency, and biodiversity.
Judges said that through innovative practices, the family has built a resilient farming system while openly sharing their sustainability journey with the wider agricultural community.
Up against the Lovetts is Tim Gorton, who runs a mixed arable, livestock and dairy farming business near Feilding.
Through extensive planting and management practices, and a commitment to improving waterway health, Tim has demonstrated how productive farming and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand, judges said.
There are three Maize Grower of the Year finalists, in a year that’s seen a record maize silage harvest – one bright spot for arable.
Ashburton’s Mark Shera grows 250 hectares of maize as part of a 1,200-hectare arable operation. Supported by a significant dryer and silo complex, his business is recognised as the largest maize grain operation in the South Island, demonstrating both scale and commitment to crop production.
Donald Stobie, the Federated Farmers Waikato arable chair, operates a 450-hectare farm in Gordonton, growing around 200 hectares of maize. His focus on excellence has resulted in some of the best maize yields in the country, consistently achieving outstanding grain and silage production.
The third contenders are Hawke’s Bay couple Patrick and Belinda Nicolle. They lease land and contract grow 300 hectares of maize grain and 60 hectares of popcorn, earning recognition from judges for their effectiveness and forward-thinking approach.
From these three finalists, and finalists from the Cereal Grower and Seed Grower of the Year, an Arable Farmer of the Year will be named on awards night on 20 August at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch.
Ivan Lawrie says finalists in the three previous Arable Awards of New Zealand have always been of a high calibre and it’s no different this time.
“It fills me with optimism as I see new people coming in,” he says.
“For example, in the agronomist category there’s some relatively young professionals who are committed and have new thinking.
“They’re looking at the broader picture.
“The silo mentality of looking only at growing grain and seeds is gone as they look at how that fits in with livestock and horticultural systems.
“That’s going to provide real integration going forward.”
- For tickets to this year’s awards event – https://www.arableawards.co.nz/tickets
The full list of 2026 Arable Industry NZ Award finalists:
Maize Grower of the Year:
Mark Shera, Ashburton
Donald Stobie, Gordonton
Patrick and Belinda Nicolle, Hastings
Cereal Grower of the Year:
Guy and Kathryn Wigley, Waimate
Andrew and Amy Darling, Timaru
Geoff and Joy Hayward and family – Hayward Agricultural, Timaru
Seed Grower of the Year:
Brendan and Rachel Moore, Methven
Jeremy and Kate Simpson, Rakaia
John and Mel McCaw, Methven
Innovation Award:
Paul Oliver, Feilding
Mariana Andreucci, Lincoln University
Marty and Georgina Skurr, Sheffield
Environment Award:
Lovett Family Farms, Ashburton
Tim Gorton, Feilding
Agronomist of the Year:
Nicola Pace, Ruralco
Sean Mulligan, PGG Wrightson Seeds
Mariana Andreucci, Lincoln University
Working Together Award:
SCID Rebuild Team
Ellesmere Sustainable Agriculture Incorporated
Oat Industry Group.